it's been a while...

but i am still here.

and will be here (here being in my house, laying on my couch...) for a couple of days.

oink. oink.

that's me. because i have swine flu.

okay- well i guess i can't technically say that because they didn't even do the test. all of my symptoms lead to it and because of my weak immune system and the fact that yesterday one of the little boys in my class went home sick, and later found out it was swine flu my doctor wanted to get me on the medicine right away.

i was worried yesterday when i was holding that poor little guy. he was so sick. and then he coughed. in my face. yuck. but i felt so bad for him. i washed and washed my hands and arms, but apparently that wasn't enough.

so now, i'm here. and glad that i can rest and hopefully get better quick, but i am bummed because friday is our class halloween party and school parade. i was looking forward to taking pictures of those cute little faces in costume. the school says i can't come back until monday- at the earliest. boo.

and there are no good movies on. just stupid scary ones, and you know i don't do scary.

so i've been reading. and sleeping. a lot of sleeping because i am exhausted. isn't it weird how you can be so exhausted from not doing anything?

i just read what i wrote, and i sound like a total debbie downer... sorry, i really don't mean to be. it's been quite a while for me to come here and blog, and now i'm just rambling.

let's switch things up, change that frown upside down...

there's this blog that i enjoy, colormekatie. she's full of happiness and creativity. as a part of the "improv everywhere" she does, they had a musical, in the grocery store.

i've always wondered what life would be like if it were a musical. i think it would spice it up and add some more smiles! please watch the movie below, it'll make your day a little brighter.

who knows- maybe it'll inspire you to bust out in song next time you're buying bananas!

remember why i am...

after my post on friday about the craziness my job entails and the anxiety of the application process, my friend joni said, "I have to rewind sometimes and remember why I am where I am and what it took to get here in order to be grateful for it all" thank you joni for the inspiration and the reminder that i need to be more grateful.

my life is wonderful. i have been so blessed. that's not to say that i haven't had obstacles to overcome and mountains to climb, because i have... but there have been lessons learned and through all of those challenges, i have had the love of an amazing support system cheering me along. Not only love, but also examples of righteous, humble, inteligent and caring individuals.

this new job is a big step for me. and, so amidst all of the crazy toddlers, i need to rewind and remember why i am there and what it took to get me there. as i reflected on why i am where i am i was drawn to the faces of that support system. friends and family who have lifted me up and held my hand along my path, who have embraced me for who i am and given me strength to rise up and be who i need to be.

while reflecting i was reading one of my favorite blogs, and i followed the link she shared to a beautiful talk by president uchtdorf. talks and inspiration like this are another big part of why i am where i am.

the whole talk is wonderful and i would suggest you take the time to read it in it's entirety, but this part really impacted me:

{"May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don’t compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fullness of the gospel (see D&C 45:28). Wherever you have been planted on this beautiful but often troubled earth of ours, you can be the one to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5).

My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity."

click here for the complete talk by President Uchtdorf}

i love how he points out to not reach beyond our capacity. i am so guilty of this, and in return only cause myself more stress and frustration. while i was talking to a friend tonight, we got on the subject of blogs- and how most of the time we put "our best self" out there for the world to see. but, when we read other blogs, we compare our worst to others bests. why do we do this to ourselves? once again, i am so guilty of this. i read these blogs of my amazing friends and incredible strangers who are talented, inspirational and creative... who are super moms and wives, cook like betty crocker, craft like martha and look like a beauty queen while doing it all. i get discouraged and feel crummy about myself... until i remember all of these amazing people are people, just like me. we're all trying to put our best self out there. i need to remember that's what i can do, and all i can do- my best. and that i love reading blogs to be inspired and admire the talent of so many, but not to let it make me feel the need to reach beyond my own personal capacity. and to remember that a lot of these people have had a part in helping me get to the point of where i am.

when it comes down to it all, we are put on this earth to help each other succeed and find happiness. i am so grateful for each of you who have helped me find my place in this world and find my way to where i am.

and for all of you who help me remember how i got here.

application

after being attacked by a mountain lion and experiencing a fire hydrant explode in my face, i'm feeling a little discouraged.

okay- so maybe it wasn't a mountain lion, but not much different- a 2 1/2 year old. yep, a "sweet" little girl with curly brown locks and cheeks you want to kiss (or scratch... haha just kidding. really, totally kidding.) got mad at me and let the claws out straight across my face. ouch. oh yeah, and my arm is displaying a nice little scar from her nails as well- seriously.

and the fire hydrant- well, just another 2 1/2 year old. who got mad. and spit at me. in my face. on purpose. yes, i'm serious.

so i was feeling like i wanted to throw myself on the classroom floor in a temper tantrum stomping and screaming- then crying. but i didn't. i just sat and watched as the little kids turned into monkey and lions attacking everything (like in the cafeteria scene in the movie "mean girls"... are you with me now?) my eyes started getting watery and i thought- amy pull yourself together, don't let a 2 1/2 year old get the best of you. or 8 2 1/2 year olds at that.

and then a sweet little face came over, wrapped her arms around me and said "don't worry ms tinez, it's okay" it made me want to cry all over again for a different reason. it was so sweet. so sweet.

so- i'm praying for better days to come and for no more physical attacks or scars.

i was thinking to myself, why am i doing this again? and then i remembered the day i applied for the job- i was so nervous and excited. anxious for a new adventure.... i thought i needed to remind myself of that day- so i thought i'd share my thoughts with you as well. keep reading for some interview tips and tricks. haha

{{today- Friday 8.28.09

I put myself back out in the real world.

I applied for a job. and I was nervous. really nervous.

Let's back up a little. I was searching craigslist for an entertainment center/TV stand and thought I'd take a gander at the part time job postings. I hadn't exactly been searching for a job, but keeping my eye out for something that'd work for me. There just happened to be a job posted for a position at a school, part time, perfect hours, about 12 minutes from my house....um, perfect? So, I called to get some details. They said the next step would be to go to the school and fill out an application.

So, now we're back to today. I updated my resume, printed it off on some nice crisp card stock, pulled out the dress pants and off I went. The whole time I was driving thinking, am I really doing this? Do I really want to do this? What am I doing? Why am I freaking out? Calm down Amy.... be calm, cool, collected. Then I started thinking of other "C" words I should be. Caring, charismatic, confident, charming... then I realized my mouth was dry and my palms were getting clammy, oh great- now my hands were joining in the "C" word fun.

Before I could turn around and clear my head I was there, in the parking lot. Now what? Get out of the car and show them what you have to offer! Exiting the car, opening the school door. You can do this, baby steps. One foot in front of the other. left, right, left... Oh this school looks cute! It's small, I like small. They have cute black shelves with giant "ABC" letters on the wall. I like this place. The second set of doors was locked. I rang the bell. After 30 minutes the door opened. (Okay, well it was probably 2 minutes but it seemed a lot longer.) I smiled and opened my mouth but the words didn't come out. And then, they all came out- not waiting their turn, just bursting out all together. The lady smiled at me, understanding my crazy face she kindly handed me an application and a clipboard. She had to help with the bus, but her boss would be out to meet with me in a few minutes.

And then I was there, in the school, sitting on a bench with an application in my lap. I stared at the application waiting for it to magically fill itself in. didn't work. Name, address, phone number... I can do this. Previous jobs... okay, still going. Oh shoot, i should have brought some whiteout. I wrote the dates backwards, now my application will be the one with the scribbles. Then the questions started and my lack of sleep was kicking in and I had to reread the same sentence 7 and 1/2 times for it to register. And then 4 more times to see if it could make sense. It didn't. So I did my best. References? They can't be my family... oh no. I don't know anybody. Do you think they'd notice if I made them up? Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker, Helen Keller.... hm. maybe not. Okay- so I know some people. But how do I choose who to put? I shouldn't put people from my past jobs because maybe they (I smell snicker doodle cookies. yum.) already consider those a reference. I settled with someone who lives in Germany and two ladies I haven't talked to for quite some time. nice. And, done. finally. ...that was worse than the ACT.

There she was, the boss. She was ready to talk. She glanced at my application. Asked a question about the other school I worked at, what age were the children I worked with? Then she asked what age I wanted to work with. I knew she was going to ask me that, and I couldn't think of an answer. Any of them you'll put me with as long as I can work at this cute school. please? So, I answered "I'd be happy where you need me."

I'm going back on Monday for a "working interview". I'll spend 30 minutes in a toddler class then 30 minutes in a preschool class. What do I wear? She said, "anything casual that you can get down on the floor, possibly dirty..." I figured if I showed up in Jeff's Nike shorts and my bright orange "Gasparilla" shirt that wouldn't go over too well. ...Outfit yet to be decided.

lessons learned from today's interview:

-bring whiteout

-stick an ice cube down your shirt to keep you alert and awake

-take a list of references with names, numbers and addresses

-don't print your resume on sparkly pink paper (okay, so didn't do that... but would've been fun)

-breathe and relax... and when all else fails, smile.}}

mom and dad

happy anniversary!

thanks for getting married. i'm so glad you did. not only do i get to be your daughter, but you gave me two amazing sisters as well. thanks for showing us how to love and respect. i hope you two have a wonderful day! we love you!

who's got the remedy?

those of you who know me, know that my immune system doesn't really like me. working with snotty nosed kids and having a weak immune system is not such a good match. i've been fighting something for the past week, and trying my darndest to get rid of it- no such luck. i was hoping you lovely friends would offer up some of your greatest remedies and ways to strengthen the immune system. please?

i'm asking for something from you- so i want to give you something in return.

okay, so it's not really giving you anything- but sometimes new found advice and cures can be a huge treasure.

so, i want to share a few of my remedies with you...

for migraines:

dark, silent, cozy place to lay + aromatherapy eye pillow + aveda blue oil + dr. pepper

{i bought my eye pillow at a super cute boutique in carmel, ca but found some cute ones (like pictured above) here, on etsy. aveda's blue oil is a mix of chamomile and peppermint oil, it's a.m.a.z.i.n.g. seriously. i've tried other oils, this is the only one that has worked. 98% of the time i drink h20 so i think the trick with the dr. pepper is the fizz and caffeine. if you are a regular caffeine drinker i'm not sure it would have the same effect, but it's worth a shot. and how much fun would it be to drink out of those adorable bottles!}

for nausea:

pepto + saltines+ laying on my belly

{saltines and pepto... tried and true, and work like a charm. if i'm not laying on my belly, i rub it- this may sound weird (i'm weird and proud of it) but, i remembered reading somewhere to make a rainbow motion on a baby's belly to help them. i suppose i should search for some techniques that aren't aimed towards the little ones, but it works... or keeps my mind off of the nausea long enough for it to work. either way, makes me happy.}

for everything:

herbal tea

{one of my all time favorite things. ever. drink it hot or cold, in the morning or at night, when you have a headache or a stomach ache, stress or fatigue... it's the cure all. i've been a teavana fan for a while now, they are great. BUT, there's a new place that i love and will promote to all of you, kaleasia tea lounge.... the store is in tampa so locals can go sit and relax. for you who aren't local, don't fret- they ship anywhere! and let me tell you, it will be worth it. right now they're running a special 5 for $20- 5 different teas, 2 oz each, for $20.00. that's an awesome deal! the benefits of herbal tea are amazing- mentally, physically... like i said, it's a cure all.}

now it's your turn:

how do you strengthen your immune system?

what are some of your favorite remedies?

friday favorites: chocolate covered cinnamon bears

oh it is a happy day when i can order myself a bag of these sweet, delicious chocolatey bears.

i had been craving these a while back (i might have even posted about them, not sure) i could not find them anywhere in florida. i started searching online, found them and was willing to pay the extra for shipping.

then i remembered the place that made me fall in love with them for the first time... byu. naturally, i checked out byubookstore.com and sure enough- jackpot.

not only did they have the yumminess, they had it for a cheaper price. i could by myself 2 pounds and ship them to me for cheaper than anywhere else i could buy just 1 pound.

i was so sad, almost wanted to cry, the day i clicked here and there were no bears to be purchased. i immediately called up customer service and was told they don't ship them out in the summer.... they would melt. the nice lady on the other line said they should be available mid september.

right- heat and chocolate not such a good combo. i was still sad, but understood and was so happy to know it was only temporary!

come mid september i was checkin the store like crazy, no luck. imagine my happiness when i searched today and found them!

oh yeah baby, we're back in business!!!

buy yourself a treat, you wont regret it.

i think i'm gonna like it there

i'm surviving. and i'm liking it. actually may love it! haha

the kids are adorable. snotty noses and all.

not so adorable is the fact that i'm already sick. lost my voice today, think the kids didn't mind.

i have to constantly remind myself that these little people are only 2 1/2 years old... they really are so sweet and smart for being on this earth for such a short amount of time. it's amazing the things they learn so quickly and their desire to be happy. selfishly happy maybe, but still happy!

they call me ms. tinez. martinez is kind of a mouthful for them. it makes me laugh, and i like it.

any suggestions on how to teach a 2 1/2 year old how to listen? please send them my way!

i'm becoming a pro at boogie wiping. probably not something i should be proud of....

still trying to remember all the silly songs i sang when i was a wee little one. twinkle twinkle, head shoulders knees and toes, the ants go marching... i can only sing them over and over so many times before the little munchkins look at me like i'm loony. but, maybe i am.

actually- i know i am!

my favorite part is seeing the light go on in their eyes. the moment they understand something, or when they listen and do- it's amazing. and their little hugs are so sweet. germy, but sweet.

i think i'm gonna like it there.

and i think they might be starting to like me.

i'm a working woman

wow.

let me say that again,

wow.

my first day was a little crazy. who am i kidding? my first day was completely insane!

don't get me wrong, i didn't hate it- it was just overwhelming and full of tears (surprisingly none from me... we'll see if i can still say that on friday!), snot and do this, don't do that.... and a major headache.

the kids are adorable. they cry and have runny noses- that part isn't so adorable... neither is the part of them that isn't potty trained. but for the most part they just want to have fun and be your friend, and i love little friends. i know it's going to take some adjustment time... me getting to know them and mostly them getting to know this new strange face in their room. they seemed to be thrown off by me today- or so says the other teacher, she says "they're usually not this bad!" and i smiled like "oh please tell me that's the truth..." this conversation all happening after one girl bit another girl on the stomach drawing blood- yeah, blood! maybe she's Bella's daughter??

missing plastic food was found in the garbage, toys were cleaned up and dumped out at least 7 times... and the best part, i swear all of the kids wanted to cry at the same time- which just happened to be right when about 3 or 4 parents were picking their children up and i'm trying to introduce myself with a crying kid attached to my leg, a little curly brown haired girl pushing down blondie- and more crying to follow. more than one of the parents looked at me like, "hmm- you sure you wanna do this?" or "can you really handle this?" i'm glad it only looked like they were thinking that instead of them actually saying that, because i have no idea what my answer would've been.

it'll all be worth it though, right?!

i'm excited to see what kind of adventures the rest of the week has in store!

no bake cookies

i've gotten quite good at makin these little yummies.

when you have no oven, and you want cookies... these are your answer!

this recipe comes from the one and only lori sanders who i love like another mother. she affectionately and appropriately calls them gorilla poops. (mekena and kirra loved that name) and yes, i just said poop on my blog, and i'll probably say it again, sorry if that bothers any of you....

no bake gorilla poop (see i said it again) cookies

2 cups sugar

1 cube butter

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup cocoa

3 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

melt butter, milk, sugar and cocoa. bring to low boil. remove from heat and all all other

ingredients. scoop onto wax paper and let cool.

(see, easy and delicious. let me know how you like them!)

the awaited phone call

it's been a process now, but it was worth it because...

i got the job!

i'll start wednesday as a part time preschool teacher, and i'm excited to spend the day with little munchkins. even if it means i come home covered in snot and tears (theirs, and probably mine too) with a throbbing headache. it's going to be worth it. i'm determined it will be worth it.

please remind me it's worth it!

i'm excited for this new adventure to begin. out in the work force making my mark. haha just kidding, i don't know how much of a mark i'll be making. but it will be good, if for nobody else but myself, it will be worth it.

so, wish me luck for my first day... i'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

(i know yesterday i mentioned i'd be sharing my no bake cookie recipe today, but that will be here tomorrow....so come back then! trust me, you'll want to try it- something easy and delicious! you don't want to miss out on that! xo)

yesterday, today and tomorrow

yetserday:

• my spiritual cup was filled at church
• i took a much needed sunday nap
• i made yummy no bake cookies
• hubby and i delivered no bake cookies to packer people
• played hot potato with the little packer people

today:

• i get to sort and wash laundry- yay, my favorite! (so not my favorite.)
• i'm waiting for a phone call
• admiring the beautiful flowers jeffy brought home to me
• looking forward to a visitor arriving
• i will attempt to tackle the crazy tornado of a mess in my office... key word: attempt

tomorrow:

• mommy comes to town! woop woop.
• my laundry will be done. hopefully. fingers crossed.
• i'll share my no bake cookie recipe
• i will have a clean house
• i'll know the outcome of above mentioned phone call. again, fingers crossed.

friday favorites: auntie amy adventures

i love my nieces. absolutely adore them to pieces. (haha i rhymed.)

i took each of them on an "auntie amy adventure" this week. they chose the journey, i just provided.

kirra wanted to go to the park, so to the park we went. we didn't last too long because it was so hot! but, it was fun and she enjoyed pulling silly faces for the camera. then she chose to go to chic-fil-a to play in their little play area and eat ice cream. which by the way, if you haven't had their soft serve, it is pretty darn tasty.

i picked kena up from school and she chose to go to McDonald's for chicken nuggets. she was so excited to eat them! i had so much fun just watching her be happy and trying to figure out the shapes of each nugget. then she too chose to go to the park. once we were there we hopped on the squirrel and the horse and took a journey to nicaragua- it was a long one!

we had lots of fun on our adventures. these girls make me so happy! they are two of the cutest and best friends a girl could ask for and i'm lucky enough to be their aunt- wow, seriously- lucky me!

honest amy

my cute sister in law, Rachel tagged me... and now i'm supposed to list ten honest things about myself.

so, here we go:

1. i probably stay in my pjs all day long at least once a week. i'm home cleaning and organizing or making more messes and i'm more cozy in my pjs so that's how i roll. jeff might not love that so much, a big baggy shirt and his old pajama pants aren't very flattering, but he loves me... pjs and all.

2. i love a clean house but fight with myself to get it clean. for example, my kitchen floor has been needing to be mopped for quite some time now. i've spent so much time wishing i didn't have to do it and stressing over the fact that it needs to be done that i've made it a huge battle to tackle... silly me- the kitchen is not very big at all, it might take 20 minutes. but, now because i've put it off for so long it's going to take longer because it's caked with dirt. (ok, not really- that'd be gross) and thanks to my mom i was taught to mop like cinderella... hands and knees with a bucket and rag- i know no other way.

3. i love lists. i love the satisfaction i get when i can draw a line through a "to-do". sometimes, i even write the task down on the list after i've completed it just so i can check it off. and sometimes i will write something on my list and then transfer it to 6 other lists before it actually gets done... so i'm working on just doing it instead of writing it down. try it- it's nice.

4. i enjoy tv. i do... i know it's not the most productive use of my time and that there are many other things i could do to grow my brain- but i enjoy it. i especially like when i see older shows that crack me up like "reba" and "what i like about you". seriously, if you haven't ever watched either of those you should- they are the kind i literally laugh out loud on my couch and ziggie looks at me like i'm crazy, but they are hilarious!

5. i'm a procrastinator. i always have been. and i've always tried not to be. the more i fight it, the more difficult it is to overcome. (like the whole mopping the kitchen thing) in 6th grade i would spend 3 hours on my homework every night. if i colored outside the lines of a map, i'd have to start over. (which i could, because i would make copies of my assignments in my dad's office in case i messed up... maybe i was really setting myself up for failure all that time when. oh goodness)

6. i have a box of projects i've started, but yet to finish. (reinforces the whole procrastinator thing, doesn't it?!) i have good intentions, really good intentions. but you know what they say about good intentions... (who is "they" anyway? and why do we care what "they" say??) i will proudly admit i am getting through that box, slowly but surely.

7. i'd rather spend my friday night's at home cuddled up with a good book or watching Jack (Mr. Bauer.... he's amazingly quick. and doesn't ever need much sleep, food or the use of the bathroom... interesting, no?) than out on the town.

8. i can eat a whole pint of ben & jerry's by myself, in one sitting. and end with a smile on my face. (although the stomach ache is sure to come quick.... ice cream isn't really my stomach's best friend. just mine.) back in the day i could eat a whole large little caesars pepperoni pizza by myself too. gross, i know.

9. i do not like escalators. they make me nervous.

10. i like to think that if i were rich i'd donate all of my money. but the real truth is that i would love a house with a wrap around porch, a movie theater, a pool, a giant playroom with ping-pong and a pool table, a library with walls and shelves covered in books with a giant ladder (beauty and the beast style), a personal masseuse, fresh flowers in every room, and a walk-in closet with all the clothes and shoes i could dream of. nice, right?

{what's honest about you?}

silly things that bug me & silly things that make me happy

-when people post an ad on cragislist without including a picture.

-when it's the mom of 3 with grocery bags covering her arms that helps the mom of 5 open the door and balance kids... instead of the man sitting right in a chair next to the door.

-when you type a word like cajun into a blog post and spell check says you should capitalize it... Cajun? really? why is it so special?

-when people leave their grocery cart in a parking spot instead of walking it to the cart return

-waking up with a headache.... not a good way to start the day.

-when you haven't been to blockbuster for quite sometime, and there are still no good movies you want to see.

-when i'm craving an orange and go to the fridge to peel the nice juiciness... to find we are all out.

-when you get asked "would you like to include gratuity?" instead of having the option to fill it in the receipt on your own. makes me want to tip less. see- isn't that silly for that to bug me? i know, but it does.

{i don't like to be negative... but some things you just have to let out there, so thanks for letting me get those things in the open, now i wont let them get to me as much. or carry them around in my pocket with me. (i saw that somewhere last week... and i can't remember where, if you know what i'm talking about will you remind me where it was? thanks.) and i don't mean to offend any one, so i apologize if i have... totally not on purpose. i also included some of the silly things in life that bring a smile to my face...because i like to smile a lot more than i like to be bugged. don't you?}

*walking into a clean bathroom with organized cupboards.

*when a good movie is about to start on tv just as i'm sitting down to take a break.... even if i've seen the movie 10 times. (like catch and release... i love that movie.)

*clicking on the "hits and misses" icon on yahoo and guessing before i see what the pros say.

*when ziggie follows me around the house and sits at me feet or jumps on my lap to cuddle.

*when i have cute little plants in my house that stay alive! (i do not have a very green thumb... although, i wish i did. maybe someday i'll get better at it when i have some place in my yard for a garden. because that's another thing that would make me very happy... to eat my own grown veggies!)

*fruit snacks.

*when i can hear the thunder, see the dark clouds in the distance and then watch the rain roll across the sky.

*when my body decides to spontaneously bust out in dance. (that darn silly body of mine. don't tell me you've never been caught doing the electric slide in your kitchen by yourself. oh, you haven't? yeah- me either.)

{what bugs you? and what makes you happy?}

mountain memories

i loved living in utah, and will someday be back. i miss utah a lot.

especially this time of year when i can picture the leaves changing into their autumn shades.

i loved to watch the seasons transform.

jeff and i started to enjoy hiking in the canyons. they are so beautiful. the streams, the trees and flowers, the animals, the waterfalls.... mostly the crisp air and freshness of it all.

i just happened to find these pictures on an old camera i was about to get rid of, glad i checked it out first. these are from october 2005 in the ogden canyon.

here we are, we reached the waterfall.

here i am in all my dorky glory... proudly sportin' the layton lancer shirt.

(funny thing is i put that same tshirt on the other day to go for a bike ride)

i am most likely celebrating the end of the hike in this picture.

don't get me wrong, i said i loved hiking, and that is true...

but i didn't always and my body doesn't love it, so i do what i can.

but then of course there's my husband.... a non stop energizer battery must power up his heart. he's crazy for the outdoors and exerting all his energy. i walk slowly behind and snap photos of him running instead of actually joining in on the running.

see, don't you think it's beautiful?

don't worry utah, i'll be back in your canyons at some point of this life!

{i think i'll always be a utah girl at heart... }

the beauty of hope

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today,

because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ,

we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book

of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

i saw a link to this video here, and had to check it out.

i was excited when it started to see that it is part of one of my favorite talks.

it is a short, but powerful and inspirational message that will change your day, please watch and be uplifted.

{click here to read a complete copy of the talk}

friday favorites: tutorials

I love learning new things and being inspired to create.

This blog world and internet land are full of inspiring, creative, talented folks.

One thing I love most, is when these talented folk are kind enough to lend a little assistance to us who are admiring their masterpieces. I love finding tutorials.... finding something I would love to create and seeing some information on how to make that possible, so nice!

So, I thought I'd share with you a few of the tutorials I've come across. The minds behind these creations amaze me. Take a look at a few of these beauties...

{modern mural}

{pillow with rosette clusters}

{decorative balls}

{composition book art journal}

{adorable pillowcase apron}

{glass etching}

{modern bird baby mobile}

{envelope gift bags}

{messenger bag}

{entertainment center turned kitchen}

is there something you're dying to create?

tryin' to stay healthy

jeff and i have been trying to eat healthier lately. we've never eaten horrible, but we could afford to cut back.

i love food. really, truly love it. i am not one of those people who has enough self discipline or desire to stick to a diet. i believe food was created to be enjoyed and that is what i am going to do. but, with that love i have to set some boundaries, i am aware of that. i know if i put myself on a diet, i'd constantly be trying to find ways around the system.... so, instead of dieting i try to eat well balanced, healthy meals.

don't get me wrong, i still help myself to a "Five Guys" burger and cajun fries (extra crispy) every once in a while, and i don't skip out on dessert, i just try to eat a smaller amount. (but who am i kidding? that usually doesn't work out so well...) after all, dessert is the best part of every meal. (okay, so i don't eat dessert for every meal, but i wouldn't have a problem with it...)

snacking has always been a challenge for me because i love to snack. snack foods are one of my favorite food groups. oh, wait- snacks don't have their own group? shoot. better get on that one... seriously though, i love snacks. do i cut them out? no, actually i add them. i just make healthier choices at snack time.

i wish i could say i ate great and healthy every day, but that would be a lie. and i don't like to lie. truth is, i try to eat great and healthy every day- and usually do okay. (by no means am i a health expert. i'm just sharing a few things that have worked for me and my body to make me feel good!)

i truly believe a good breakfast has a huge impact on my day. i know in high school there were so many days i didn't eat breakfast, i spent the extra 10 minutes hitting the snooze button instead. shame on me, i know. today, if i don't eat breakfast- you better steer clear. i once read somewhere eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a pauper and dinner like a college kid. it made me laugh, but then i realized it made total sense.

i have to say, i love cold cereal. a giant bowl of kix and/or trix in the morning makes me happy. but i know that's not the healthy option. we've been trying out some new cereals lately, so instead of the sugary choices i try to reach for the healthier option. 'fiber one honey clusters' is becoming a favorite. milk doesn't always love me, so instead of regular milk we've tried a variety of options and have found almond milk to be our favorite. we buy it at the same place we buy the majority of our other groceries so it's not an extra trip. is it more expensive, yes. i have found it is true that eating healthy is more expensive... personally, the extra $20 is worth not gaining the extra 20 pounds. (okay, so i may be exaggerating.. but you get the point) and i've also found menu planning to be more important, but that's another day.

ok, back to eating- breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. yes, i told you, i love my snacks. you are probably thinking holy moly she eats a ton. yes i do, i eat a lot of food but the portions are smaller.

lots and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is a big part of what i eat. i love fruit and vegetables and they are great snack options for me. fresh and raw is always best (health wise) but however you get it, as long as your getting it, you should be okay.

i also make sure i'm drinking plenty of water. i hardly ever drink anything other than water. i love herbal tea and will drink that occasionally and i'll take a sip of good ole' Dr. Pepper when i have a migraine (he's the best dr. around), other than that i'm all about my h2o. being properly hydrated makes a huge difference for me... it keeps the headaches away, helps keep my skin clear, and i don't have the need to eat as much when my body has enough of the water it needs.

one of my favorite bloggers posted about a book that i am going to be checking out from my library as soon as it gets on the hold shelf for me. she posted about it here, "Eat this, Not that". something i look forward to diving in the pages of. just like we've been trying to do around here, reaching for the healthier option. (although, maybe i'll be upset to realize i'd be better off eating a butterfinger instead... sometimes ignorance truly is bliss. we shall see.)

when i'm craving something salty, i'd often like to reach for these:

but, i don't buy them because i know i could eat them all by myself. so, instead i eat these:

tostito's multigrain chips are one of my favorite snacks ever... truth is i'd probably grab these before those fritos- but that wouldn't make the same point now, would it?!

other salty, healthier options we like:

(i usually buy the "rold gold" pretzels, "snyder's" were on sale so i bought those instead, we'll have to have a taste comparison... which is something i'd love to do with lots of things- again another day completely)

i also like to snack on rice cakes, nuts and the 100 calorie mini popcorn bags. yum, i'm making myself hungry.

now, when i get a sweet tooth... which happens more than i'd like, i try to grab a sweet orange or juicy peach to give me some sugar and cut the craving, but sometimes i know that's just not gonna cut it. so, instead of eating this whole thing by myself:

i give myself a scoop or two of "publix premium frozen yogurt" which is actually quite delicious. i've seen the commercials where the freeze the yoplait yogurt for a sweet snack, haven't tried that yet- but sounds yummy. also, as a recommendation from marci i purchased these little guys

she buys the oh so delicious "naked" juice and freezes them for wonderfully healthy coldness. i haven't made any yet because we drank all the juice before the popsicle molds arrived, but i plan on purchasing more "naked" juice and trying them out. (i couldn't find popsicle molds in any store around here... isn't that weird? i thought so. i found mine at amazon. and as soon as i use them i'll give you a review)

if you're still with me after all this food talk, good for you. go reward yourself with a dove promise. hehe

really though, i feel sooo much better when i eat healthy. so i'm working on finding lots of yummy, healthy recipes to cook up in the kitchen and to keep reaching for the healthier options.

any healthiness you'd like to share?